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Forged by Blood

ebook
0 of 1 copy available
Wait time: About 2 weeks
0 of 1 copy available
Wait time: About 2 weeks

A brilliant new voice brings us a brilliant new epic fantasy novel: Ehigbor Okosun's first book in an action-packed, poignant duology inspired by Nigerian mythology—full of magic and emotion and set in a highly atmospheric, complex world in which a young woman fights to survive a tyrannical society, having everything stripped away from her, and seeks vengeance for her mother's murder and the spilled blood of her people.

In the midst of a tyrannical regime and political invasion, Dèmi just wants to survive: to avoid the suspicion of the nonmagical Ajes who occupy her ancestral homeland of Ife; to escape the King's brutal genocide of her people—the darker skinned, magic wielding Oluso; and to live peacefully with her secretive mother while learning to control the terrifying blood magic that is her birthright.

But when Dèmi's misplaced trust costs her mother's life, survival gives way to vengeance. She bides her time until the devious Lord Ekwensi grants her the perfect opportunity—kidnap the Aje prince, Jonas, and bargain with his life to save the remaining Oluso. With the help of her reckless childhood friend Colin, Dèmi succeeds, but discovers that she and Jonas share more than deadly secrets; every moment tangles them further into a forbidden, unmistakable attraction, much to Colin's—and Dèmi's—distress.

The kidnapping is now a joint mission: to return to the King, help get Lord Ekwensi on the council, and bolster the voice of the Oluso in a system designed to silence them. But the way is dangerous, Dèmi's magic is growing yet uncertain, and it's not clear if she can trust the two men at her side.

A tale of rebellion and redemption, race and class, love and trust and betrayal, Forged by Blood is epic fantasy at its finest, from an enthusiastic, emerging voice.

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    • Library Journal

      March 1, 2023

      The nonmagical Ajes have occupied D�mi's ancestral homeland, and the king is killing off her people, the darker-skinned, magic-blessed Oluso. D�mi is simply trying to survive as she learns to manage her magic, but a single mistake lead to her mother's death, and now she is out for revenge. A debut inspired by Nigerian mythology, with a sequel to come; with a 75,000-copy first printing. Prepub Alert.

      Copyright 2023 Library Journal

      Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from June 5, 2023
      Okosun’s stunning debut puts a Nigerian spin on epic fantasy tropes to create an addictive tale of political intrigue, love, loss, betrayal, and magic. Nine-year-old Dèmi was born during a time of transition, when the queen of Ifé was replaced by a king who fears and hates hereditary magic users, called Oluso, leading to an ongoing genocide. Dèmi, an Oluso herself, assists with her mother’s forbidden but necessary magical healing work—until she is forced to flee their village after they are betrayed by a former client, leading to her mother’s death. Nine years later, the politician Lord Ekwenski tasks Dèmi with kidnapping the crown prince as part of his scheme to rise in power and become a voice for the Oluso on the king’s council. This dangerous mission is complicated, however, when Dèmi discovers a surprising connection—and attraction—to the prince and uncovers secrets about her family’s past and her own powers. Okosun’s elaborate worldbuilding is lavishly detailed and meticulously constructed, but it never feels overwhelming. The result is an impressive and refreshingly original page-turner that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the second volume. Agent: Kiana Nguyen, Donald Maass Literary.

    • Library Journal

      July 1, 2023

      DEBUT In the land of Ife, those who hold magical powers are hunted by the king. D�mi and her mother have magic and are hiding in a village pretending to be Ajes, those without magic, when thrust into a situation where their magic is needed. This magic comes from the gods, and they are bound to use it to help others. A wealthy woman brings them a boy dying from poison. Risking their lives, D�mi's mother heals the boy, but they are betrayed by the woman, who fears their magic. D�mi's mother is killed in front of her, leaving her an orphan. Years later, D�mi is caught using magic to save children from enslavement and is given another choice--help her people, the Oluso, gain political power by kidnapping the prince or be turned in for using magic. Kidnapping the prince proves harder than expected; the more time they spend together, the more their attraction for each other gets in the way. VERDICT Inspired by Nigerian mythology, Okosun begins "The Tainted Blood Duology" with a fast-paced adventure that fans of Rebecca Ross and Tomi Adeyemi will enjoy.--Leigh Verburg

      Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • Booklist

      Starred review from July 1, 2023
      In her debut, the first of a duology, Okosun creates a world based on Nigerian mythology that touches class, race, power, and colonialism. In Oyo, a world with four countries, magic users, Oluso, are not allowed to hurt anyone, and as nations started to fight one other, a division grew between those with magic and those without. The nation to the north, Eingard, went to an extreme and killed all its magic users and stole the throne from D�mi's family. D�mi's life is further complicated when Jonas reenters it. When they first met as children, they formed an instant bond. When they meet again as young adults, that connection is just as strong, but D�mi kidnaps Jonas and wants to use him in a scheme against the Eingardian government. D�mi is willing to do just about anything to change the fate of the Oluso. D�mi is powerful, strong, and smart, with a kind heart--just the kind of main character readers will celebrate. While fighting the cruel Eingardians, she is also trying to figure out love and life. Add to that the spoton world building and political complications and fantasy readers will find something to enjoy in this powerful work.

      COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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